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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
A new solar energy system could give you a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Switching to solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you begin the process, you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar installers and put together a guide to the best solar companies in Carteret. These proven and dependable providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Family-operated business
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners lower utility bills while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re evaluating if you want to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current installation best practices. Licensing requirements mean that your New Jersey solar installation team may have a variety of different professionals, including . The master-level professionals on the team will also pull permits for the job.
Look at review platforms such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers say about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Avoid companies lacking reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Contact at least three solar companies for free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and specify the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the best value based on your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers installation defects, such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. A performance warranty ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties indicate that a solar company believes in its work.
Installing solar panels can help lower your electric bills over time. When weighing the total price and value of solar panels, be sure to consider these factors.
Solar panel costs vary based on system capacity and the technology being used. The average solar system in Carteret has a capacity of 4.7 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay around $3,530 per kilowatt; the average Carteret homeowners spends about $11,564 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for things like the size, panel type, and capacity of the planned system, and should include prices for labor, permit fees, and preliminary work.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Amount:
Net-Metered Residential: $90/SREC-II
Small Net-Metered Non-Residential located on Rooftop, Carport, Canopy and Floating Solar
Projects smaller than 1 MW (dc): $100/SREC-II, $120 for public entities
Projects 1 MW to 5 MW (dc): $90/SREC-II, $110 for public entities
Net Metered Non-Residential Ground Mount
Projects smaller than 1 MW (dc): $85/SREC-II, $105 for public entities
Projects 1 MW to 5 MW (dc): $80/SREC-II, $100 for public entities
Community Solar LMI: $90/SREC-II
Community Solar Non-LMI: $70/SREC-II
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of value added by renewable system
Incentive Amount:
Rebates
Single family : $2,000 to $4,000
Multi-family : $500-$1,500 per unit
Rebates for single family and multi-family should not exceed 50% of the cost of the measures used to calculate total estimated savings (TES)
See table below for details
Loans
Single-family: $5,000 (Tier II) or $10,000 (Tier III)4.99% interest loans up to $15,000 (where utility 0% financing is unavailable)
Incentive Amount:
Residential Electric Customers (including municipal utility customers):
Solar Hot Water Heater: $1,200
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Geothermal Heat Pump: $500
Air-Source or Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $300- $500
Residential Gas Customers (including propane):
Gas Furnace: $250- $500
Gas Boiler: $300
Gas Water Heater: $300
Solar Hot Water Heater: $1,200
Oil Heating Customers:
Oil Furnace: $250
Oil Boiler: $300
Combination Rebate
Boiler and Water Heater Combination Rebate: $700
Furnace and Water Heater Combination Rebate: $700- $950
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heater.
With home solar energy, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
It depends on your location and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Carteret, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the environmental benefits and savings that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Carteret, the average amount someone can save is $714 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.
Yes, solar panels will still be able to provide you with energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system will keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider that offers battery backup systems or emergency generators.
The answer ultimately depends on your specific situation. You'll be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to inform your insurance company about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
The answer will depend on your specific needs and goals. For a typical home, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for houses in Carteret. However, if you have a limited budget, then you could polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When selecting a solar company, make sure to ask about the brand names and models of solar panels an installer offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.